Saint Thomas (he of the Doubts) is believed to have travelled to preach the gospel to Kerala in 50 AD (& later Tamil Nadu). Those converted and their descendants are known as Saint Thomas Christians, Mar Thomas Nazranis. (Syro-Malabar Catholic Church or Church of Syrian Catholics). Masses are held in Malayalam.
Saint Thomas is often regarded as the Patron Saint of India and understandably you’ll find a lot of Thomases in these parts.
The churches are examples of what Umberto Eco calls hyper-reality. Bigger, Brighter, Bolder, MORE Catholic, more in-your-face.
We zoomed past truly HUGE (think Godzilla scale) statues brightly illuminated for Christmas festivities. Every small village has a church and/or a saint’s shrine/tower (encased in glass or protected by grilles).
So much for the history lesson – Here is a bigger, bolder recipe for their curry.
Keralan Syrian Catholic curry also known as Fish Molee
Ingredients
For Marination
Black Pepper powder – 1 1/2 teaspoon
Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
Lemon juice or Vinegar – ½ teaspoon
Salt
For the gravy
Canola or coconut oil for frying – 3 tablespoons
Kingfish or any other firm fleshed fish – ½ kg
Cardamom – 4
Cloves – 4
Cinnamon – 1 medium stick
Onions , sliced as rings – 3 medium
Ginger grated finely – 1 tablespoon
2 cloves Garlic crushed– 1 tablespoon
Green chilli – 3 large sliced thinly
Tomatoes ,– 2 large, cut into circles
Thin Coconut milk – 1 1/2 cups ( 1 cup is 240 ml)
Thick Coconut milk – 1/2 cup
Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
Black Pepper powder – 1 teaspoon
Salt – a pinch
Fresh Curry leaves
Coriander leaves to serve
Instructions
Marinate the fish pieces with pepper, turmeric, salt & lemon juice for an hour. Shallow fry the marinated fish for 3-4 minutes.
Heat oil in a frying pan. Smash cardamom,cinnamon & cloves and add.
Add the onions and green chillies and sauté well till the onions become translucent.
Add the ginger and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Do not let the garlic burn.
Add the turmeric and pepper and sauté for a minute
Add the thin coconut milk and salt to taste. When it starts boiling add the shallow fried fish pieces.
Spread the tomatoes and the curry leaves on the top of the fish pieces.
Cook with the lid on on medium flame till the fish is cooked well.
Add the thick coconut milk , heat for a minute and turn off the fire.
Serve with rice (Brown Keralan if you can get it – a short grained, delicious rice) and chopped coriander.
The Dislocated Hippies 